Woolworths' $300 million wage underpayment scandal is expected to dominate its annual meeting on Monday, taking the gloss off what has otherwise been a strong year  for Australia's largest retailer.

Woolworths chairman Gordon Cairns is bracing for questions from shareholder activists, including Stephen Mayne and the Australian Shareholders Association, about the wages scandal, which is expected to lead to provisions of between $200 million and $300 million this year.